Wondering if you should watch Monkey Kingdom? Check out my Monkey Kingdom Film Review to find out.
When I take my children to our local zoo, my favorite part of the whole visit is watching the monkeys. I could literally stand there for hours watching them interact with each other. So much about their movements, the way the mothers care for their young, how they watch and respond to each other, it’s so incredibly human-like.
This week I’ve been immersing myself in all things Monkey Kingdom while visiting Orlando with Disneynature. I’ve chatted with Disneynature Ambassador Dr. M. Sanjayan, I’ve visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom and experienced some behind-the-scenes adventures, and I’ve got a sneak peek at Monkey Kingdom — it’s truly been an incredible week.
Monkey Kingdom Film Review
Set in the jungles of Sri Lanka in South Asia, Monkey Kingdom follows Maya and her son Kip through their struggle to survive the social hierarchy of their monkey troop at the coveted Castle Rock. When a neighboring monkey tribe takes over their home, the monkeys are forced to relocate and Maya must go beyond the known and fill an entirely new role in her tribe.
As a woman and a mom, I love that the star of the show is Maya! She is what every mom aspires to be. She is an incredible mother, a resourceful provider, and a courageous female who will stop at nothing to protect her son and her tribe. She shows great strength and ingenuity as she leads her tribe into the unknown and ultimately back to Castle Rock. But she isn’t the only cute face that adorns the screen. Little Kip is too cute for words and his infant and toddler antics will definitely make you giggle.
I learned so much about monkeys and the social hierarchy that exists within these tribes. I found myself feeling sorry for the monkeys who weren’t born into the “royal” hierarchy (like Maya and Kip), but this story goes to show how determination and hard work pays off, even in the Monkey Kingdom.
I enjoyed this 88 minute film. While I didn’t have my children with me at the screening, I do think they will enjoy watching this one, as they have other Disneynature films. I did want to let you know that there are two instances where monkeys die, in case you have any children that are super sensitive to those kind of issues. The deaths aren’t graphic, but you definitely know what’s happening or what has happened.
Monkey Kingdom is now in theaters nationwide. When you see the film during opening week, Disneynature will make a donation to Conservation International for every ticket sold. The donations will help protect monkeys and other endangered animals in their natural environments.
You can learn fun facts about Monkey Kingdom and see my interview with Dr. Sanjayan, Disneynature Ambassador, global conservation scientist, writer and Emmy-nominated news contributor.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
This is the kind of movie that is totally perfect for children as adults. It’s full of beauty and love and a great respect for nature.
HilLesha says
This film looks adorable! I’m looking forward to seeing this with my children. Also, thanks for the giveaway! I’d love to win the pendant for myself. 🙂
melisasource says
I have heard so many fantastic things about this movie! I cannot wait to take my kids to go see it!
Michelle F. says
Everything I see the commercial all I can say is “Awwww”. I am definitely going to see that one.
Pam says
This seems like such a great documentary. I love watching monkeys.
Catherine S says
This looks like a great movie and I can’t wait to go see it. What a wonderful giveaway.
Betsy Segars says
I’m mad at myself for not seeing this movie yet. I can’t wait to watch it!
Jeannette says
For real, we are obsessed with monkey’s in my house and this film is one we are so excited about! I love going to films where you can learn and you can bet we’ll be at this one very soon!
Rachelle J says
This looks SO cute. My daughter has been wanting to see this!
Valerie Remy-Milora says
That sounds like a beautiful film and I love the cinematography!!! My two older daughters are gone for the weekend and I wanted to take my little one for a special night out. This sounds like the perfect movie!
Jeanine says
This sounds so good! I actually can’t wait to see it. My kids too! We are eager to go!
Marcie W. says
Sounds like a money kingdom is very similar to a human one, which I find so intriguing! I can not wait to see this amazing film.
Nina Say says
I am so excited to see this movie. My kids have gotten me super excited for it.
Michelle says
I definitely want to see this movie! I hope I win the contest, that pendant is adorable!
Theresa says
We are so excited to see this one. The monkey exhibit at the zoo is always our favorite!
Sarah says
Thanks for the heads up about the monkeys dying. I do have a little one who is super sensitive to things so it gives me a chance to talk to her about it before we see this movie.
lisa says
I can’t wait to take the kids to see this movie. It looks so good!
LyndaS says
I recently saw the previews for this movie – it looks so incredible. Of course, with it being a Disney movie, it’s high quality. I can’t wait to see it!
Avry says
What a great movie to help kids understand and learn about nature. Sad about the two monkeys dying 🙁 I love how they are contributing to Conservation International.
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
Sounds like a great film to release on Earth Day. I think I will wait until my kids are older to watch it though.
Stacey- Travel Blogger says
That movie is going to be so cute! I love monkeys myself and I can’t wait not only to see them but to learn about them too!
Felissa @ Two Little Cavaliers says
I have heard so many good things about this film. Now I can’t wait to go see it for myself!
Penelope says
Oh, those monkeys are too cute. I know I’d love to see them in their natural setting and get to know them better.
Chrysa says
I’m looking forward to seeing this. I loved Disneynatures’ Chimpanzee, but my husband is still upset over the chimp dying in that movie and won’t see Monkey Kingdom!! I’ll take my 6-year-old nephew instead – he can handle it better. 🙂
Rosey says
Oh boy, my son is super sensitive. I think if I let him know ahead of time though, about the deaths, he’d handle it better.
Cinny says
This looks like another great Disneynature film. I’ve been wanting to see it!
Kim Croisant says
OMG ours too. Those monkeys are the best at our local zoo,,,,,which is why I will be seeing this movie one way another.
Debra says
I think my kids would love this! We need to check it out!
Alison says
This looks like such a fun movie…I think it definitely something I need to see with my kiddos!
Christie says
I cannot wait to take the kids to see this movie. They are sure going to love those precious monkey faces
Jocelyn McGaffic says
This looks like such an adorable movie. I am looking forward to seeing this with my family.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I am so excited to see this movie. It looks like it is going to be great.
Amanda O. says
This movie looks so cute. I’ll bet both my kids would want to see this.
Emily says
I love these types of movies. It’s so amazing how we get an inside look into nature. It seems the cameras aren’t even there!
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says
I am excited to see this movie. My girls would love it.
Debbie Denny says
This sounds exciting. Can’t wait to see it.
Kiwi says
I literally just saw the commercial for this! It is so cute!
kristin says
We were at the Animal Kingdom in Disneyworld and loved the animal safari and monkeys. Our kids love animals.